I haven’t stopped using the Colourpop X Kathleen Lights Dream St. palette all month and I have been visualizing several holiday looks since it arrived due to the alluring red, gold, and emerald shades.

This look required much blending but any good smoky eye does. Other than that the application was very simple. The color payoff is intense and as I mentioned before in my emerald holiday eye tutorial, the shades are creamy, blendable, and very high quality.

Though the red shade is bold, I think it’s stunning and pairs so nicely with a nude lip. I used the Aquarius lippie, also by Colourpop X Kathleen Lights. I then layered the Moonchild gloss from the Dream St. collection on top.

I knew from the beginning the star of the look would be the gorgeous red shade, Spark, which is described as a “matte neon red”. (Colourpop.com)

I’m here all day for neon reds, like candy reds, Ruby Woo lipstick reds, etc. How good does this cake look by the way?

There are so many ways to use this palette but this has turned out to be one of my favorites. I’ve never done such a red eye look and I think a lot of people shy away from red for fear of looking sick but with the right transition shades and smokiness I think red eye looks are so pretty.

If you are really fair skinned, I suggest bronzing up the rest of your skin with a bronzing powder or contour cream a fair amount to complement the overall warmth your eye look will bring to your face and so you won’t appear vampire-esque unless that’s what you’re going for.

As usual I primed my eyes with concealer and did my eyes first to be able to clean up any fallout before doing the rest of my face. I began by using the first two shades in the first row as my transition colors in my crease. I mixed the two and focused them on the outer corner and used a fluffy crease brush.

Image- uwishunu.com.

I then packed the red shade onto my entire lid with a flat brush. If you see any specks of fallout, and I didn’t see too many, brush it off with a powder brush or wipe it off with a makeup wipe.

I used the shimmery gold shade Sweet Dreams, which is. “metallic soft champagne with a peachy pink flip”

On my inner corner, on the inner half of the lid, and on my brow bone. I also used Moony on the brow bone for a little extra lifting. I recently learned from Desi Perkins’ YouTube channel that brow bone highlights should only be placed on the highest point of the brow, so in the arch, to lift the eye. If placed all over it brings the eye down. She says she learned it from makeup artist Patrick Ta so it’s legit.

I packed all the shimmery colors on with my fingers as this has been working best for me. I learned that from Kathleen Lights. I feel like I might need to purchase a brush for the inner corner though as it’s never as poppin as I would like.

That’s it!

I love a beautiful holiday red lip but since it’d be too much IMO with the eyes, I think a nudey pink or brown or even just gloss are perfect. Love how it turned out.
What do you think? Any holiday looks you’re pondering on?

It seems we’re nearing the madness-induced period of December when shoppers willingly wait in never ending lines and wear themselves thin trying to find the perfect gift for everyone.

They’ll brave fights for parking spots in jam packed parking lots (I’m talking to you Los Angelenos), and that’s not to mention decorating, wrapping gifts, sending Christmas or other holiday cards, and attending holiday themed events all while holding down a job.

Image from southbrucetourism.org.

For some, the holidays signify the added pressure of hosting elaborate dinners and special gatherings. That means slaving over a stove and baking a menagerie of treats for a hungry and demanding load of customers who don’t pay, their own families. Though supposedly the holidays stand for merriment, warmth, and rejoicing, they can be downright stressful.

Image from Minnesotamonthly.com.

This is not such a high price to pay when you see the smiles on your family member’s faces however, especially the little crew. Some in contrast, keep it low key and the holidays might be a quiet dinner between two. I kind of envy these types.

Perhaps the hardest part is indeed finding those perfect gifts for those particular people in your life who have everything, are hard to read, or maybe are themselves particular. I will be doing separate gift guides for spouses/S.O.s and pretty much every person in your life if my schedule allows. You may have already read my foolproof gift guide for your coworkers. Hope you enjoy this one and it helps you get through your gift list. I personally researched each product and/or brand to make sure it was highly requested, highly rated, and have used many of these myself.

Here are my suggestions for every makkeup/beauty junkie in your life:

Over $100

Mia 1 Skin Cleansing System by Clarisonic. $129.

Hands down, the Mia Clarisonic system is widely approved as the best skin cleansing system. Beauty guru Tati aka Glam Life Guru swears by it. It seems to be effective indeed as bet skin is constantly glowing from within. Any makeup/beauty lover and his or her pores will thank you.

$75-100

That Bling Set 7 Piece Limited Edition Brush Set by Morphe $99

Bling on the makeup junkies! Any one of them will obsess over this gorgeous brush set by Morphe. Well respected and touted by the beauty community, especially for their brushes and eyeshadows, it’s no secret why. Morphe makes incredible products at insanely great prices. If you don’t feel like dropping a Benjamin on this makeup fiend, consider these options below.

This set is a luxury quality version of the makeup set of every little girl’s dreams. I remember getting “kid’s” makeup sets for Christmas that smelled like fruity candy and plastic and I loved it. I would love this even more. With a palette full of pigmented intensely creamy shadows, effective blushes and bronzers to sculpt out the cheeks, a limited edition lipstick, and the other goodies in the set you can literally create an infinite array of looks all year round.

Any makeup lover knows Fenty came out with an amazing beauty line and has eyed this palette up and down. Everyone has enough mattes in their collection so these fourteen shimmery metallic shades are the perfect complement. It’s perfect for creating out of our galaxy holiday looks.

These Too Faced favorites are tried and true by makeup lovers everywhere. Any Too Faced fan, avid beauty guru, beginner, or someone wanting to get into higher end beauty would welcome this set into their collection.

Colourpops’s All I See is Magic Pressed Shadow Palette. $20.

There aren’t enough good things to say about Colourpop IMO. They are affordable, cruelty free, their products are unique and amazing, pigmentation and blendability is insane…I could go on.

If your makeup loving friend does not own either of the above products, believe me, you are about to make him or her very happy. Everything in the blockbuster set and the highlighting products set has rave reviews for good reason. Killer price and amazing performance is basically unbeatable IMO. Wet n Wild kills the drugstore beauty game.

I hope this list helps a little to cross some names off your list!

Though it goes without saying that love makeup and fashion I think it’s important to remind myself about why we even celebrate Christmas. If you celebrate Hannukah, Kwanzaa, or even if you don’t really believe in anything, we can all agree that we all need a little love and loving your neighbor as yourself never hurt anyone.

For Christians, the birth of Jesus is supposed to be celebrated, but we often clutch material ideals so closely and hold societal norms in such high regard that this becomes blurred over the years.

It’s easy to forget. I think doing a good deed or two this holiday season might be just what I need.

Are you attending your boyfriend’s parents’ holiday gathering for the first time? Do you anguish over the questions that are almost intrinsic to holiday gatherings? (How’s school? How’s your job? Where do you see yourself in a few years? Why don’t you have any kids yet? Why aren’t you married yet? Etc. Etc.)
I know I do! All I want is to eat my pie in peace! I don’t think that’s too much to ask for.

It seems that I’m far from the only one concerned with these conundrums. Here are some great and funny articles I found about how to make the most of the holidays and seeing yourself out of unpleasant situations on Buzzfeed, Eventbrite, and Styleblueprint.com.

I decided to weigh in on these issues as well and here’s how I suggest you deal with these very common and annoying awkward holiday situations:

Attending an S.O.’s family’s gathering for the first time
Not only are you meeting new members of the family and seeing the whole clan together for the first time, it will take place in a holiday themed setting so stakes are higher. I’ve been there and survived this scenario once or twice.

Whatever you do don’t ask intrusive questions, criticise or embarrass your S.O., or bring up politics or religion. That goes for every gathering!

Do dress up and do your best to look your best. That means no old sneakers or two day old greasy hair. Shower, choose an attractive outfit, and highlight your best features.

Also, it doesn’t hurt to gift your host or hostess with some wine or a nice box of candy everyone can share.

Smile and be courteous and if asked an intrusive question, shake it off with a vague answer. For example, if asked “When are you getting married?” you can say, “When the time is right.”, “I don’t feel equipped to answer that quite yet.”, etc. That takes the pressure off you and your S.O. and provides no real time reference.The aunt or uncle who won’t stop asking you about your job, getting married, having kids, etc.

Just as I mentioned above, provide a vague answer such as “When the time is right”. Also, gently see yourself out of the conversation or guide it to general topics. For example, ask the person about him or herself. Another option is to remark how lovely the food is and to switch the conversation over to food and/or ask for a recipe. Remember, you don’t have to answer any questions or even feel obligated to attend a gathering where you feel pressured, anxious, and on an emotional rollercoaster.

If you do go, remember, pay attention to your feelings and take care of yourself. Avoid arguments at all costs. Take a deep breath and be the bigger person should a touchy subject arise.Avoiding party guests who monopolize your time and/or talk too much

This might be the only time during a holiday gathering to break out a little white lie. I’ve been the sounding board for some seemingly never ending monologues. I won’t call them conversations as that requires two people. Clingy party guests who don’t know when to shut up have apparently not learned this as they won’t let you get a word in edgewise.

Here’s when to say, “I forgot something (charger, present, anything!) in my car! Be right back!”, or if that doesn’t work say you have to excuse yourself to the bathroom or have a terrible headache and make a break for it.

When a fight ensues.

Whatever you do, do not fuel the fire! Tensions are already high and expectations have already been blown. The last thing you want is to sever family ties with certain people forever.

Try defusing the fight by reminding everyone about why you’re gathered to begin with. If all else fails, leave before you get involved. When you receive a gift you honestly do not like or a regift

Regardless of whether or not you like the gift, thank the person. The thought really does count. Avoid making any promises about using or wearing the gift of you aren’t actually planning to. Instead make a vague remark such as, “How thoughtful!” which conveys your gratefulness without making any claim to liking the gift.

That concludes my suggestions on how to deal with awkward holiday situations! If you have any suggestions of your own or any funny awkward family stories, please comment below.

Thanks for reading and I hope your holiday gatherings at straight out of a Hallmark movie! (I mean that in a good way)

Though I’ve skipped a few days due to my crazy schedule, I’m going to attempt blogmas anyway. Just like with gifts, it’s the thought that counts right? Everyone on your Christmas gift list could benefit from extra love around the holidays, but that doesn’t have to mean emptying your bank account. Simple yet elegant and thoughtful gifts are best for people you work with.

Here are 5 gifts you can’t really go wrong with:

Wine

I don’t know anyone who will say no or “I don’t like it” to wine.

If you want to make the gift a little more special you can create your own wine label for your intended recipient on

No matter who you’re trying to impress, be it your boss or your favorite coworker, you can’t go wrong with wine. Find out whether he or she prefers white or red win casually (this may require some snooping around) and you’re good to go. If you can’t, go with a happy medium, Rosé.

A Massage, Spa, Hair Cut/Color or Hair Treatment

Pink & purple balayage image found on hairstylehub.com

There’s nothing likeadayall to yourself and a massage, spa treatment, or cut/color is the perfect excuse. Many people would happily go for a new hair color or an expensive facial but they deny themselves the luxury due to the shock of dumping that much money.

Everyone needs some TLC. The holidays can be hectic and at times may make everyone from the evidently overworked to the most happy go lucky people feel stressed and worn down. A gift card to a massage or other pampering treatment is an easy gift and a way to show you care about a coworker.

For gifting choose a country based on where your recipient has had favorite vacations or find out what type of cuisine he or she likes.
4. Tickets to Recipient’s Favorite Team’s Game or Favorite Musician’s Concert

This is pretty a much a foolproof gift. The only way you could screw this up is if the tickets are for the wrong team or artist. Make sure to get it right which should be easy enough.

If you’re unsure you can find pretty much anything by stalking around their social media a bit.

How sick is this Riri ensemble by the way?

This is probably the fastest and easiest way to make your coworker smile.

What woman wouldn’t want a limited edition makeup set replete with goodies like those above? No one, unless she doesn’t wear makeup. If so, a grooming kit would be a great gift and the same goes for any male coworker.

No matter who we’re talking about, we all have to groom ourselves at some point. Make the gift nicer by choosing a luxurious gift bag or adding some good chocolate. (This goes for any gift really unless you’re giving chocolate).

I’m hoping you all had a wonderful Christmas/holiday with your loved ones and families, as I sit here trying to be thankful for everything I have, despite my not-so-picture-perfect Christmas. I’m still here though, and as a grown up, I should be able to handle grown up setbacks. We spent Christmas Eve & some of Christmas fixing my ever-broken down car, but at least I got to spend it with someone I care about. Not everyone gets to. It’s about the little things right?

Lately, I’ve been obsessed with embellished sweaters, like this one by Dorothy and Perkins (dorothyperkins.com);

There’s something about winter that makes it okay to add a little more girly extras. I love it, and I love mixing mrnswear classics and basics with feminine touches.

I’m obsessed with my Wet n’ Wild Eye Candy Holiday palette! I gifted it to myself because why not? I highly recommend this holiday makeup set if you’re still scrambling around for a stocking stuffer or small gift. It’s a steal for 3.50, on sale, & you can find it at your local CVS.

Pic from makeupwithahart.blogspot.com

I give Wet n’ Wild extra points for making cruelty free makeup. It goes without saying that they’re awesome for making high quality, highly-pigmented, unique eye shadows at an affordable price point. This palette contains two gorgeous green shades, which I used in this look, along with a lovely deep shimmery chocolate shade I’m dying to try with the pretty complementary shades in the set.

The only color I didn’t use from the Eye Candy palette is from Elf’s Artistry palette, and is a bright green on the outer corner and crease.

It seems they made the palette with two looks in mind, one neutral brown smoky eye & one green smoky eye, somewhat like mine. I’m no makeup expert, but I’m pretty sure the palette also contains a duochrome on the green side. I’m in love with it. It has brown and purple undertones and looks deep emerald in the pan. I used that color for the outer corner. I used the lighter green on my lid and the deep forest green in the crease.

The lipstick I used shown above, is also by Wet n’ Wild. It’s their metallic creamy lipstick in Cashmere. Love it. My bronzer/highlighter/blush is Wet n’ Wild’s Megaglo Illuminating palette. The foundation I use is NYX’s Matte not Flat foundation and the concealer I use is Elf’s Under Eye Highlighter and Concealer. I use the same ones every day, except when I’m bumming it, in which case I just use BB cream. The Eye Candy set comes with a cute little eyeshadow primer and two lovely metallic eyeliners. I used the green one a bit in on the mid lid & bottom lid.

That’s my Christmas Eve look! I hope you enjoyed this post. I’m becoming more and more of a makeup freak. I blame Youtube and all you vloggers I adore; I love it!